Roulette game with jackpot

ABSTRACT

A casino roulette game includes a jackpot betting area and payout from the jackpot bets based upon pre-established consecutive outcomes. In the preferred embodiment, once a number is established, players have the opportunity to bet that the number will come up a total of three consecutive times or four consecutive times. Payoff from the jackpot wagers is made upon such occurrences. Alternate jackpot betting sequences are described.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of roulette gaming, andmore specifically to the game of roulette with a jackpot.

The term “Roulette” is derived from a French word meaning small wheel.Some sources state that Blaise Pascal, a 17th Century Frenchmathematician invented the roulette wheel, other sources state that thegame originated in China and was brought to Europe by Dominican monkswho were trading with the Chinese. During the late 18th century theRoulette wheel became very popular when Prince Charles, ruler of Monacoat the time, introduced gambling to Monaco as a way of alleviating theregion's financial problems. The modern version of the roulette wheeldid not appear until 1842 when Frenchmen Francois and Louis Blancmodified the two “0” version, having slots for each of number 1 through36, 0 and 00, to the single “0” roulette game. The game was then broughtto America in the early 1800s. However, the single “0” modification waslargely rejected in America and the two zeros “00” were returned to theroulette wheel. The roulette wheel gained a great deal of popularity inAmerica during the California Gold Rush.

Thus, there are two types of roulette games. The American Roulette Wheelcontains 38 numbers including 0, 00 and 1 to 36. In the standard bettingpayout odds configuration, having two zeros (0, 00) gives the house a5.26% advantage. In other words, for every $100.00 a gambler bets, thehouse will make $5.26 in profit. The French or European Roulette Wheelcontains 37 numbers including 0 and 1 to 36. Having one zero (0) givesthe house a 2.70% advantage. In other words, for every $100.00 a gamblerbets, the house will make $2.70 in profit.

One other difference between the two roulette games pertains to thecolor of the gambling chips. While American casinos typically give eachplayer different colored chips, which will allow the players todifferentiate their chips and bets from other players, the Europeancasinos typically give players the same colored chips. Thus, unlike theplayers at American casinos, gamblers at European casinos need to relyon memory to distinguish their chips and bets from those of otherplayers. Another difference between the two games is that in Europeancasinos, croupiers or the people who operate the roulette tables, use along stick known as the Rake to sweep in all chips, while the Americancasino dealers will use their hands and arms to sweep the chips off thetable. The last major difference between the two types of Roulette gamesis that if the ball lands on the zero (0) in a European casino, then thegambler is offered the option of utilizing the en prison rule, wherebyhe may choose to either surrender one half of his/her outside wagers orto leave them for the next game. These differences do not, in largepart, have impact on the present invention.

With reference to the American Roulette wheel of FIG. 1, to playroulette, after purchasing chips from the dealer, each player placesthem on the desired positions on the table in an attempt to predictwhere the ball will land after the wheel is spun and the ball comes to astop. Once the chips are placed on the table and the bets are made, thedealer spins the roulette wheel while spinning the ball in the oppositedirection inside the roulette wheel. Players are allowed to continueplacing their bets during the spin until the dealer says “No more bets”.When the wheel slows down and the ball drops into one of the numberedslots, the dealer places a marker on the winning number on the roulettetable. The players who bet on the winning number are rewarded while theplayers who bet on the losing number(s) lose their chips to the casino.

A variety of bets are allowed in roulette. Such bets include a ColumnBet. As seen in FIG. 1, the roulette table betting area layout isdivided into three columns. A column bet is a wager that the ball willfall in a numbered slot corresponding to one of the numbers in thecolumn. For example, if the player selects the second column bet, it isa wager that the ball will fall in either the number 2, 5, 8, 11, 14,17, 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, or 35 slot. The payout for a column bet istypically 2 to 1.

A Corner Bet is a bet that the ball will fall in a numbered slotcorresponding to one of the four numbers whose squares touch each otherat a corner. For example, a player may put a bet at the corner where thesquares for the numbers 1, 2, 4 and 5 meet, wagering that the ball willfall in to one of the slots corresponding to 1, 2, 4, or 5. The payoutfor a corner bet is typically 8 to 1.

A Dozen Bet is a bet that the ball will fall into a numbered slotcorresponding to one of twelve squares, either the group 1 to 12, thegroup 13 to 24, or the group 25 to 36. The payout for a dozen bet istypically 2 to 1.

An Even-Odd Bet is a bet that the ball will fall into a numbered slotthat corresponds to one of either the group of even numbers, except 0and 00, or the group of odd numbers. The payout for an even-odd bet istypically 1 to 1.

A Five Number Bet is a bet that the ball will fall into a numbered slotthat corresponds to one of the group 0, 00, 1, 2, and 3. The payout fora five number bet is typically 6 to 1.

A High-Low Bet is a bet that the ball will fall into a numbered slotthat corresponds to the group of numbers 1 to 18 for a ‘low’ bet or thegroup of numbers 19 to 36 for a ‘high’ bet. The payout for a high or lowbet is typically 1 to 1.

A Red-Black Bet is a bet that the ball will fall into a numbered slotthat corresponds to the group of numbers with a red background, i.e.,the shaded numbers in FIG. 1, or the group of numbers that correspondsto the group of numbers with a black background, i.e., the numberswithout shading in FIG. 1. The payout for a red or black bet istypically 1 to 1. Often, the 0 and 00 are green and do not count as redor black and are shaded differently in FIG. 1.

An Outside Bet is a bet on red, black, odd, even, high or low numbers,column bets, or dozen bets.

A Split Bet is a bet that the ball will fall into a slot correspondingto one of the group of numbers that are adjacent to one another on theboard, e.g., 7 or 8. The payout for a split bet is typically 17 to 1.

A Straight Bet or Straight Up Bet is a bet that the ball will fall intoa numbered slot corresponding to a particular number, e.g., the number15. The payout for a straight bet is typically 35 to 1.

There is a desire for a roulette game that allows for a building ofexcitement from the players and attracts a large number of players andobservers.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an advantage of the present invention to provide a casino roulettegame that generates increased enthusiasm from players, the house andonlookers.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, acasino roulette game comprises a standard roulette wheel and tablewherein the improvement comprises a jackpot betting area and payout fromthe jackpot bets based upon pre-established consecutive outcomes.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the followingdescriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings,wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of thepresent invention is disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects ofthe invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate anunderstanding of the invention.

FIG. 1 is an overhead view of a roulette gaming table and roulette wheelin accordance with prior art.

FIG. 2 is an overhead view of a roulette gaming table and roulette wheelin accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments are provided herein.It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may beembodied in various forms. Various aspects of the invention may beinverted, or changed in reference to specific part shape and detail,part location, or part composition. Therefore, specific detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as abasis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching oneskilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually anyappropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

Turning to FIG. 2 there is shown a modified American roulette table andwheel 10 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. The table and wheel 10 are in all respects the same as aconventional roulette table and wheel as in FIG. 1, except for thejackpot betting area 15. Jackpot betting area 15 provides gambles theability to wager on particular consecutive outcomes of the ball fallinginto the numbered slots on the wheel. In the preferred embodiment, thejackpot payout is made when the ball falls into the same numbered slotthree consecutive times and four consecutive times. After the ball fallsinto the same numbered slot three consecutive times, a payout of $500.00is made to each person making the jackpot wager. After the ball fallsinto the same numbered slot four consecutive times, the jackpot amountis divided among the jackpot betters.

In the preferred embodiment, during play, players may make the jackpotwager as they are making their other wagers, but may not make a jackpotwager after the ball has fallen into the same numbered slot twoconsecutive times, three consecutive times or four consecutive times,nor may they make a wager on the first turn of the table for the playingsession. The jackpot amount is approximately 76 percent of thecumulative amount wagered on the jackpot bet following a jackpot payofffor the ball falling into the same numbered slot four consecutive times,and may be set at a minimum amount of, for example, $15,000.00. Eachjackpot wager may be in any amount specified by the casino and in thepreferred embodiment is $1.00.

As an example of play, the following sequence is illustrated. The ballfalls into the numbered slots in consecutive turns in the followingorder: 7 (the first turn of the roulette session), 8, 9, 9, 10, 11, 11,11, 12, 12, 12, 12, 12, 13, 13, 14. The first jackpot wager is allowedfollowing the ball falling into slot numbered 7 and before the ballfalls into the slot numbered 8. Such a bet is a bet that at least thenext two turns will result in the ball falling in the slot numbered 7.Upon the ball falling into slot numbered 8, the jackpot wagers inconnection with the slot numbered 7 are removed without payoff. Ajackpot wager is allowed following the 8 and before the ball falls intoslot numbered 9. Such a bet is a bet that at least the next two turnswill result in the ball falling in the slot numbered 8. Upon the ballfalling into slot numbered 9, the jackpot wagers in connection with theslot numbered 8 are removed without payoff. A jackpot wager is allowedfollowing the 9 and before the ball falls into slot numbered 9 thesecond time, no additional jackpot bets are allowed in connection withthe slot numbered 9. Upon the ball falling into slot numbered 10, thejackpot wagers in connection with the slot numbered 9 are removedwithout payoff. A jackpot wager is allowed following the 10 and beforethe ball falls into slot numbered 11. Such a bet is a bet that at leastthe next two turns will result in the ball falling in the slot numbered10. Upon the ball falling into slot numbered 11, the jackpot wagers inconnection with the slot numbered 10 are removed without payoff. Ajackpot wager is allowed following the 11 and before the ball falls intoslot numbered 11 the second time. Such a bet is a bet that at least thenext two turns will result in the ball falling in the slot numbered 11.Upon the ball falling into the slot numbered 11 the second time, noadditional jackpot bets are allowed in connection with the slot numbered11. Upon the ball falling into slot numbered 11 a third time, a jackpotpayoff of $500.00 is made to each player making the jackpot bet inconnection with the slot numbered 11, and the jackpot amount is reducedaccordingly, but may be kept at a minimum, as discussed above, of, forexample, $15,000.00. Upon the ball falling into slot numbered 12, thejackpot wagers in connection with the slot numbered 11 are removedwithout further payoff. A jackpot wager is allowed following the 12 andbefore the ball falls into slot numbered 12 a second time. Such a bet isa bet that at least the next two turns will result in the ball fallingin the slot numbered 12. Upon the ball falling into slot numbered 12 thesecond time no additional jackpot bets are allowed in connection withthe slot numbered 12. Upon the ball falling into slot numbered 12 athird time, a jackpot payoff of $500.00 is made to each player makingthe jackpot bet in connection with the slot numbered 12, and therebyreducing the total amount of the jackpot as described above. Upon theball falling into slot numbered 12 a fourth time, a jackpot payoff ismade to each player making the jackpot bet in connection with the slotnumbered 12, wherein the amount in the jackpot is split equally amongthe jackpot betters. After the fourth consecutive turn of slot numbered12, no further bets regarding this series of consecutive 12's areallowed. After the balls falls into the slot numbered 12 a fifth time,it is considered as if the ball fell into slot numbered 12 a single timeand a jackpot bet is allowed after the fifth 12. Such a bet is a betthat at least the next two turns will result in the ball falling intothe slot numbered 12. Upon the ball falling into slot numbered 13, thejackpot wagers in connection with the slot numbered 12 are removedwithout payoff. A jackpot wager is allowed following the 13 and beforethe ball falls into slot numbered 13 a second time. Such a bet is a betthat at least the next two turns will result in the ball falling in theslot numbered 13. Upon the ball falling into the slot numbered 13 thesecond time, no additional jackpot bets are allowed in connection withthe slot numbered 13. Upon the ball falling into slot numbered 14, thejackpot wagers in connection with the slot numbered 13 are removedwithout payoff.

It will be appreciated that the number of consecutive repeat slottednumbers may be varied, as may be the amount of the wager, the time ofplacing wagers, or the particular outcome scheme for jackpot payoffwithout departing from the invention.

For example, an alternate sequence for jackpot payout may be any two,three, four, or more numbers in accordance with re-established rules,and the jackpot wager would be not allowed only during the sequence. Asan example, the casino may establish the following jackpot payout rule:the jackpot is paid when the ball falls into any consecutively numberedslots in two consecutive turns, three consecutive turns, fourconsecutive turns, or more. In this case, bets are allowed before anyturn, including before the first turn of the session. As anotherexample, the casino may establish the following jackpot payout rule: thejackpot is paid when the ball falls into the slots numbered 15, 18, 27,and 34 in consecutive rolls. In this case, bets are allowed anytimeexcept immediately after the balls into slot numbered 15, immediatelyafter the ball has fallen into first slot numbered 15 and then slot 18in consecutive turns, and immediately after the ball has fallen intofirst slot numbered 15, then slot numbered 18, then slot numbered 12, inconsecutive turns. It will also be appreciated that the presentinvention is applicable to in-person roulette games, as well as video,internet and other virtual based roulette games. Further, severalroulette tables, whether in-person or virtual, may be linked together inthat jackpot bets from several tables may be combined and payout may bemade at any one table at which the pre-established sequential numbersoccur.

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferredembodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention tothe particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended tocover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may beincluded within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims.

1. A casino roulette game in accordance with established roulette rulesfurther comprises the steps of: establishing a jackpot bet withpre-established payout odds; and payout from the jackpot bets is basedupon pre-established consecutive outcomes.
 2. A casino roulette game asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the consecutive outcomes are consecutiveidentical outcomes.
 3. A casino roulette game as claimed in claim 1wherein the consecutive outcomes are consecutive sequential outcomes 4.A casino roulette game as claimed in claim 1 wherein bets are allowedbefore the pre-established consecutive outcomes are occurring.
 5. Acasino roulette game as claimed in claim 1 wherein the consecutiveoutcomes three and four consecutive identical outcomes.
 6. A method ofplaying roulette comprising the steps of: allowing a jackpot wagerduring normal wagering times, except immediately after the ball hasfallen into the same numbered slot two consecutive times, immediatelyafter the ball has fallen into the same numbered slot three consecutivetimes, immediately after the ball has fallen into the same numbered slotfour consecutive times, or before the ball has fallen into any slotduring the playing session; paying any jackpot wager in accordance withpre-established payoff rules in the event the ball falls into the samenumbered slot a pre-established number times.
 7. A method of playingroulette as claimed in claim 6 wherein the pre-established number oftimes is three or more.
 8. A method of playing roulette as claimed inclaim 7 wherein the pre-established number of times is four.